What is a U-shaped kitchen?

What is a U-shaped kitchen?
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What is a U-shaped kitchen?

A U-shaped kitchen can be created in any home, big or small. It’s one of the more efficient layouts, mainly because it focuses on the ‘Kitchen Triangle’. 

The Kitchen Triangle centres around the three main work areas of the kitchen: the sink, hob and fridge. U-shaped layouts make this arrangement much more accessible for busy cooks! 

Not to mention, U-shaped kitchens are coveted by house hunters for being cabinet-focused. With three adjoining surfaces for wall and base cupboards, U-shaped kitchens can give even the messiest of homeowners space for their spices. 

So, if you’re stuck on a renovation style and searching for inspiration, learn more about U-shaped kitchens with Rehome.

What is a U-shaped kitchen?

A U-shaped kitchen is a layout where worktops and cabinets are arranged along three adjoining walls to form a 'U' configuration. As we’ve covered, the design gives homeowners plenty of space for cabinets and shelving. 

The central open area means users can work swiftly between the three main kitchen areas: tending to food on the hob, grabbing ingredients from the fridge and washing up at the sink are made easier with this design.

It’s adaptable, meaning it can be created in large and small kitchens. So long as the bottom of the ‘U’ shape is positioned on an exterior wall, you can have a nice view of your kitchen as you wash the dishes! In smaller kitchens, the U-shaped layout is perfect for cooks who prefer to prepare solo. Depending on the size of the home, there may not be enough space for two people to work side-by-side. 



What is the best layout for a U-shaped kitchen?

Again, the best layout for a U-shaped kitchen will depend on the room’s size and the location of windows. But having the kitchen, hob, and sink within proximity, ideally between 1.2m and 2.7m apart, can make moving around the space much easier. 

But what if you want a seating area? Even in smaller rooms, you may be able to incorporate a small kitchen island or a breakfast bar. By extending the kitchen out into the open, you can use this design to zone dining and preparation areas. Staying with smaller U-shaped kitchens, we recommend maintaining at least two metres of space between the opposing base cabinets. 

This distance will keep the cosy feel without becoming too cramped (to alleviate a confined space, consider shopping for light-coloured cabinets). Larger U-shaped kitchens, while working with much more room, must be thoughtful of where they install storage. 

Installing pull-out units or carousel corner cabinets can help you make use of those difficult corner spaces. Plus, they shouldn’t interfere with the traffic of a ‘Kitchen Triangle’ layout. 



Where to put appliances in a U-shaped kitchen?

So, how can homeowners maximise the flow of the Kitchen Triangle? Positioning the three main elements (sink, fridge, hob) along separate walls is the foundation of this principle: 

Sink 

Placing the sink beneath a window on the central wall will provide plenty of natural light for dishwashing and other tasks (plus a view of your garden!) 

Hob and oven 

Keep the hob and oven on one of the side walls to create a dedicated cooking zone. With the food preparation and cleaning areas separate, you can reduce congestion in busy kitchens.


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Fridge

Finish off your U-shaped kitchen by setting the fridge against the remaining wall. Now, all appliances should be within reach. 

If you’re shopping for additional appliances, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Dishwasher: Positioning the dishwasher adjacent to the sink will minimise the distance for transferring dishes and simplify loading and unloading. 
  • Microwave: To make the microwave accessible for all users, it should be installed at an accessible height, such as within upper cabinetry or on the worktop. 
  • Ventilation: The best way to prevent cooking odours from lingering is to use a ventilation system, such as an extractor fan or range hood. 
  • Ideally, it should be positioned 20 to 24 inches above the heat source (however, this will depend on whether you have a gas or electric appliance; for gas cookers, the hood should be 24 to 30 inches above). 


Is the U-shaped kitchen outdated?

No, U-shaped kitchens are still very much loved by buyers. They’re such a staple design because they offer a considerable amount of storage space, particularly when compared to L-shaped kitchens and even galley kitchens. 

Their simplicity means homeowners can use them to build up a furniture collection, incorporating freestanding pieces, kitchen islands and chairs. If you’re ready to complete a remodel like this (but feel bound by budget barriers), we can help. 

As the UK’s number one Kitchen, Bedroom, Bathroom Outlet, we’re offering homeowners thousands of pounds off big-name brands like John Lewis of Hungerford, Harvey Jones and Masterclass. 

For a fraction of the original cost, you can own a used or ex-display luxury U-shaped kitchen. Get yours today and live in possible.